Culture Crash: Why “The Pitt” Stands Out From So Many Other Medical Shows

Welcome to Culture Crash, where we examine American culture – what’s new and old in entertainment… Last year, HBO Max’s new series The Pitt was a little medical TV show that could. It was touted for being a Noah Wyle star vehicle that put him back in an emergency room and surrounded him by a cast of relative unknowns to deliver one of the simplest pleasures we have: a fun week-to-week TV drama. What happened next was The Pitt became […]

February 7, 2026

Viewpoints

Viewpoints Explained: When Romance Meets Inflated Pricing

This is Viewpoints Explained… Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and even if you’re planning to keep things low-key this year, there’s a good chance it’ll still cost more than previous years. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are projected to spend about 26 billion dollars on Valentine’s Day this year. That includes gifts, dining, and experiences. So why do costs keep rising? Part of it comes down to inflation and supply chains. Take flowers. The U.S. Department […]

February 7, 2026

Health

Medical Notes: The New Community Flu Shot, A Better Treatment For Schizophrenia, And How Vitamins Can Protect Male Fertility

A breakthrough in mental health treatment is offering new hope for those living with Schizophrenia. A study published in Nature Mental Health highlights the first new class of schizophrenia medication to be approved in over 50 years. Unlike traditional anti-psychotics that block dopamine receptors, this new drug targets receptors that balance certain signals in the brain. Clinical trials showed a significant reduction in symptoms like hallucinations and social withdrawal. Scientists may have found the breakthrough for a flu shot that […]

February 7, 2026

Viewpoints

Why So Many Workers Quit Their Boss, Not Their Job

Many people don’t leave jobs they love but leave managers they can’t work for anymore. We examine how toxic leadership styles quietly drive burnout, erode confidence and push workers toward the exit even when they may love everything else about their position. Guests: Sheila Nielsen, career consultant, owner, Nielsen Career Consulting Laura Hambley Lovett, workplace psychologist, author, I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss. Nielsen recommends trying to find someone within the company […]

February 7, 2026

Health

The Life-Threatening Link Between Menopause And Heart Health

Menopause is a time of major change in every woman’s life, but while many focus on common symptoms like hot flashes, there’s a lesser-known threat to long-term heart health. Our expert reveals the critical importance of recognizing these risks and taking action to reduce the threat of heart disease and heart failure after menopause. Guest Information: Dr. Priya Freaney, cardiologist, assistant professor of medicine, Northwestern University Dr. Freaney says today patients have a lot of options to pick and choose […]

February 7, 2026

Viewpoints

One Case, Fifty States: When Marriage Was An Exception To The Law

For much of U.S. history, marriage quietly overruled consent, shielding a crime the law refused to name. We revisit the 1978 case that cracked that silence and follow the slow, uneven fight to recognize spousal rape as a crime nationwide. Even now, it raises an uncomfortable question: when the law changes, how long does it take for beliefs to follow? Guests: Sarah Weinman, journalist, author, Without Consent: A Landmark Trial and the Decades-Long Struggle to Make Spousal Rape a Crime. […]

February 7, 2026

Health

Hacking The Healthcare System: The Rise Of Subscription-Based Doctors

Should primary care be subscription-based? As the shortage of primary care physicians continues to worsen, many patients are struggling to secure timely appointments within the traditional healthcare system. This week, our expert explores the rise of alternative models that offer quicker access and more personalized attention through membership-based fees Guest Information: Dr. Jane Zhu, primary care physician, associate professor of medicine, Oregon Health and Science University Despite some proposed solutions, like giving more responsibilities to nurse practitioners, accessing your local […]

February 7, 2026

Entertainment

From New Kids on the Block to Bad Bunny: A modern Super Bowl halftime history

New Kids On The Block perform prior to the New York Giants taking on the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXV at Tampa Stadium on January 27, 1991 (Gin Ellis/Getty Images)When Bad Bunny takes the stage at the Super Bowl on Sunday, he'll be the first solo artist to headline a mostly Spanish-language halftime show. He previously appeared as a guest when Shakira and Jennifer Lopez co-headlined the show in 2020.Considering he's one of the world's biggest stars, it's probably […]

February 6, 2026

Music

Bryan Adams goes acoustic for new YouTube series

Bryan Adams speaks at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, November, 2025 (Disney/Frank Micelotta)Bryan Adams has been stripping down his songs for fans.The "Run To You" rocker recently launched a new acoustic series on YouTube, treating fans to performances featuring just him and his guitar. The latest release is a performance of the song “Hey Baby,” from his most recent album, Roll With the Punches.Adams launched the Acoustic Fridays series on Jan. 30, kicking things off with a stripped-down version of another Roll […]

February 6, 2026

Month: February 2026